Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Little Scraps of Wisdom in a Frozen World of Grey Slush

Bred as we, among the mountains,Can the sailor understandThe divine intoxicationOf the first league out from land?Emily Dickinson

...strong emotions don’t come easy in a frozen world of grey slush...three weeks to Kripalu...something I never expected, being a full time student again...even if only for a month...and, while grad school’s just about guaranteed to make a person more neurotic, this could, conceivably, do the opposite...

...but, if one thing clearly to be expected, it’s that my final observations on the experience will include...for good or for bad...however stated...it was different from what I expected...

I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.Umberto Eco

...maybe the best way to teach somebody something is not to try to teach them anything...talk, act, throw petals to the waves to watch them float...and the best way to learn is to forget about learning...stop grasping at information as if to save you from drowning...make you rich, thin, good-looking...less flatulent, more confident...more in love, less hungry....just swim in it....forget about being a wise old yogi...just practice...

There is something wonderful that New England winter teaches the body...something about inner strength, observation and perhaps a bit of gratitude and wonder. Love the photo. Reminds me of 'home' and that is a comfort. The Eco quote is excellent. It has been ages since i've even heard his name. Hope you are well and savoring the moment!